The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Albert E. Utley (ASN: RA-55508587), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force on 10 January 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Utley distinguished himself while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, while Troop B was accomplishing the mission of securing the Quin Toc Pass, they were suddenly attacked by a North Vietnamese force estimated at battalion size. During the initial exchange of fire, the tank in which Sergeant Utley commanded was hit by recoilless rifle rounds, seriously wounding him and rendering the tank inoperable. Dazed and bleeding profusely, Sergeant Utley remained in the crippled tank and directed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions. With total disregard for his own safety, he continually exposed himself to the enemy fire and, through his relentless efforts and expert direction, he personally accounted for destroying two enemy recoilless rifle positions and killing six enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Utley’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.